Laser cleaning

Laser cleaning and surface preparation

Laser cleaning

A laser is a light source which, through an amplification phenomenon, produces a particularly precise and concentrated beam of light. It is the photons, the particles that make up light, that interact with matter. Thus, three phenomena result from the contact of the laser pulses with the layer to be removed:

- The production of a large quantity of thermal energy
- The creation of shock waves
- These three effects result in the sublimation and ejection of coating particles or residues.

Laser cleaning

Principle

Laser cleaning is based on the principle of photon pulses that are projected towards the surface. Depending on the material, they will trigger thermal, physical or photochemical processes there, resulting in a cleaning effect. In the case of an oxidized metal surface, the oxide particles detach from the surface because their coefficient of expansion differs from that of the metal.
In the case of organic soils, these will be sublimated by the heat energy of the laser pulses. The high energy absorbed creates a highly compressed plasma (ionised gas out of equilibrium) which expands creating a shock wave.

This shock wave fragments and ejects the layer of pollutant in fine particles which are then captured by a suction system. When the parameters of the laser beam are optimised, only the coating, oxide or residue will be removed without damaging the substrate. This type of laser treatment provides cleaning results that are impossible to achieve with traditional technologies. Moreover it is very environmentally friendly as it does not generate any chemical waste or dust.

Laser cleaning / stripping

The laser makes it possible to remove many types of coating, painting, coating, oxides etc. very quickly, but also to sublimate all kinds of residues present on the surface: grease, oil, dust, residues, etc. This can be done completely or partially, depending on the application.
The laser technique is a no-contact/non-abrasive process with very low heating of the treated area. No chemical agents are used. Depending on the power used, we can remove between 1 mm and 2 mm of layer in one go and localize the treatment by band, by zone, etc. Once the intended layer is reached, the substrate will not be damaged by the laser.

Surface preparation / pre-treatment

The laser makes it possible to remove many types of coating, painting, coating, oxides etc. very quickly, but also to sublimate all kinds of residues present on the surface: grease, oil, dust, residues, etc. This can be done completely or partially, depending on the application.
The laser technique is a no-contact/non-abrasive process with very low heating of the treated area. No chemical agents are used. Depending on the power used, we can remove between 1 mm and 2 mm of layer in one go and localize the treatment by band, by zone, etc.
Once the intended layer is reached, the substrate will not be damaged by the laser.

Laser mould cleaning

The laser precision mould cleaning process is an excellent economical, automatable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. This ecological process quickly and safely removes difficult residues without producing chemical or abrasive waste.

Laser texturing

The laser technology can be adjusted very precisely for the surface treatment of metallic materials. This offers the possibility to apply powerful high intensity laser pulses to create precise micro-structures of various types for visual and mechanical effects.

Laser etching

Virtually all types of materials can be marked with laser marking systems: metals, plastics, semiconductors, glass sheets and ceramics as well as organic surfaces such as wood, paper and leather. Depending on the intensity of the laser beam on the substrate, the desired marks can be produced by colour change, engraving or micro-fusion.

Laser restoration

Laser technology is a remarkable and unique tool for architectural restoration and conservation. Laser cleaning has proven to be the most gentle and effective method for restoring historic architectural treasures, such as sculptures, ornate bronze and terracotta statues, as well as the facades of entire buildings.
Laser cleaning removes harmful and unsightly deposits without chemicals, abrasives, water, dust or residue, which could pose a risk to people and the planet.